Chapter 479

"Ahh!" Adrian's sudden shout made William jump in his seat, his hands trembling on the steering wheel. "K-kid, you're awake?" he stammered, voice cracking.

Adrian rolled his eyes. "Obviously. I've been awake this whole time. Now focus—floor it and swerve left. Hard. Or we're both dead."

He had planned to keep pretending to sleep, but this guy was hopeless. The enemy was charging straight at them, yet William still hesitated. Adrian clenched his fists, frustration boiling under his skin.

"What? Huh?" William blinked, then snapped his gaze forward. His blood ran cold. Without another thought, he gripped the wheel tighter. "Brace yourself—sharp turn incoming!"

The engine roared as the car lurched violently to the left, tires screeching against the dock pavement. For a split second, it looked like they might make it—until another vehicle slammed into their path, cutting them off from Crimson Emporium.

And then came the sickening pop of a blown tire.

William's stomach dropped. They weren't going anywhere now.

His knuckles whitened around the wheel. He didn’t care about himself, but if Adrian fell into the one-eyed man’s hands…

"Kid, listen," William said urgently. "When I open the door, you jump and run. Get to Crimson Emporium—tell them your name. They’ll protect you."

Crimson Emporium was shrouded in mystery, but its owner, Quentin Blackthorn, had a reputation. Ruthless, yes, but not unhinged. Better Adrian with him than with the monster outside.

Adrian didn’t even flinch. "Worry about yourself. He’s about to smash your window."

Sure enough, the one-eyed man’s blade came crashing through the glass. With a brutal yank, he unlocked the door. "Pathetic. Did you really think you could run from me?"

William fumbled for his phone. "This is kidnapping! I’m calling the police!"

The one-eyed man laughed, then drove his fist into William’s temple. "Police? Laws?" He sneered. "In Harbor Market, strength is the only law. And this kid? He’s mine."

Dazed, William slumped forward. He was a doctor, not a fighter. As the one-eyed man reached for the backseat, he choked out, "Adrian—run!"

But Adrian didn’t move. He crossed his arms, cool as ice. "You sure you want to take me? Doubt you can handle the consequences."

The one-eyed man paused. "Oh? And why’s that?"

"Because Quentin Blackthorn personally requested me." Adrian tilted his head. "Take me to Crimson Emporium. Fight him for me. Winner takes all."

William’s vision swam, but shock cut through the haze. "You—you knew?!"

The one-eyed man scoffed. "Quentin Blackthorn doesn’t just ask for random kids. Why would I pick a fight with him over you?"

Adrian smirked. "Exactly. So back off."